Sanibel Police: Lock your vehicles

May 6, 2013

Sanibel Police have issued yet another warning to residents and visitors to the island to lock their vehicles and remove or hide their valuables inside.

A recent spree of auto burglaries on the island has now doubled with eight new reported incidents in recent days on the east end of the island, primarily at condominiums on East Gulf Drive and East Periwinkle Way.

"All burglarized vehicles were unlocked," said Sanibel Maj. James Phillips. "We advise everyone to keep their windows rolled up and the cars locked, even if it's parked at your own residence."

The eight new incidents have similar characteristics to seven incidents reported last month in the same area. Police have not identified a suspect as yet and are seeking assitance from the public to solve the crime spree.

Police advise you to place items that look valuable in the trunk to keep them hidden, including backpacks, briefcases, cell phones and laptop computers.

Anyone with information about suspicious activity or who witnesses an incident to contact Det. Mark Steele at (239) 472-3111, ext. 237.

You can also make an anonymous report with a text message through Crime Tips at C-R-I-M-E-S (274637).